The Leadership Corps (LC) at Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a program offering teens the opportunity to develop their leadership potential as they participate in and coach outdoor activities. Leadership Corps programs are offered year round: Leadership Corps: Operation SnowSports (October-March); Leadership Corps: Outdoor Adventure (April-June); Summer Leadership Corps (July-August).
Due to the ongoing public health situation with COVID-19, we continue to adjust our programming to meet public health guidelines. Teens can expect to take part of a hybrid or an entirely virtual experience this spring — depending on their chosen volunteer track. We will provide virtual meeting spaces for workshops and 1:1 advising. In-person activities will take place outdoors (with the exception of indoor rock-climbing), in small groups, socially distant, wearing masks, and with regularly sanitized equipment.
Leadership Corps Outdoor Adventure:
The spring Leadership Corps (LC) Outdoor Adventure program will allow youth to learn job readiness and leadership skills in the workshop setting while putting them into practice through in-person and/or virtual volunteering. Options for volunteer tracks include:
- Assist coaching track & field practices
- Support bike programs that teach youth to ride and go on group rides
- Support family adventure trips in a variety of outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, mountain biking)
- Learn and practice bike maintenance skills
- Learn and practice indoor rock-climbing and belay skills
- Create digital content for YES’ website, social media pages, and fundraising efforts
We are still finalizing our schedules and activity offerings — teens will be able to elect their volunteer track and finalize their schedule in the program during virtual Orientations (April 7th or 8th).
Participation in the spring LC Outdoor Adventure program gives youth priority in being considered for summer employment opportunities with YES (note that age and residency limitations apply for summer employment). Learn more here about Summer Teen Employment with YES.
Program Details:
Eligibility: 14+ year olds, currently enrolled in high school (9th-12th grade)
Priority Eligibility: 15+ year olds, Boston residents (especially those living in Mattapan, Roxbury, and Dorchester), past Leadership Corps participants
Virtual Orientation: April 7th or April 8th
* Teens MUST attend one virtual orientation session, multiple day & time options will be offered. Teens will elect their volunteer track, finalize their schedules, and learn about program expectations during this session.
Orientations for Volunteer Track: April 12th-16th
*Teens will attend their elected/assigned volunteer track to learn about expectations, meet staff and program participants.
Program Dates: April 26th – June 18th
*All program activities will happen between Monday-Thursday, 3pm-7pm and for select volunteer tracks on Saturday afternoons. Teens’ schedules will vary based on their chosen volunteer track and workshop day.
Application Deadline: Sunday, April 4th
Applicants who submit an application after this date will be placed on a waitlist and notified about their acceptance into the program by YES staff if space is available/priority eligibility criteria are met.
*Leadership Corps is a free-of-cost program.
Contact YES Academy staff at [email protected] with any questions.
Would you like to refer a teen to our program? Submit a referral here.